Formation of Glaciers

Glaciers are formed from compacted snow that accumulates over time, gradually turning into ice. This process occurs in regions where snowfall exceeds melting. Over time, the weight of the accumulating snow compresses the lower layers, forming solid ice.

Movement of Glaciers

Glaciers move due to the force of gravity and the gradual deformation of the ice. There are two main types of glacier movement: internal flow, where the ice flows due to pressure, and basal sliding, where the glacier slides over the underlying bedrock due to meltwater acting as a lubricant.

Erosional Features

Glaciers erode the landscape through several processes, including plucking, abrasion, and quarrying. These processes create distinctive landforms such as U-shaped valleys, cirques, arêtes, and horns. The movement of glaciers also leads to the formation of glacial striations and roche moutonnée.

Depositional Features

As glaciers melt and retreat, they deposit the sediment and rocks they have eroded. The material is often sorted and deposited in characteristic landforms such as moraines, drumlins, and eskers.

Human Impact

Glacial erosion has had a profound impact on shaping the earth's surface over geological time. Understanding the processes of glacial erosion is crucial for predicting and mitigating the effects of glacial retreat due to climate change.